Quick hits on Nick Hundley and why his recent trade may signal a trend, if a parallel to 2008 applies:

• The Padres employed Hundley longer than Philip Rivers has quarterbacked the Chargers. Hundley, like Rivers, is the son of a football coach. He said the role both toughened and broadened him, a belief that his lengthy career supports.

• Tim Hundley's coaching career, now at UNLV in its 12th stop, moved the Hundleys into or out of Oregon, Colorado, California and Washington. Adapting to new people and circumstances, Nick said, was fun and strengthened his family.

• Padres staffers often said winning was very important to Hundley, who cherishes the 2007 Texas League championship ring he won with San Antonio. The Missions went 78-61 and defeated the Cardinals' affiliate in final playoffs series, and Hundley said he expected several players from that team to lead the Padres to similar successes.

• Both Hundley and then-roommate Chase Headley hit 20 home runs for the '07 Missions. Former first-round draft pick Matt Antonelli reached base at a .395 clip. Will Venable flashed speed and power as he transitioned from basketball to baseball, while Wade LeBlanc commanded a lethal changeup that he threw as many as 20 times a game.

• In the 2005 draft, the Padres eyed Winthrop University (S.C) pitcher Kevin Slowey at slot 76. When the Twins took Slowey at 73, the Padres selected Hundley out of Arizona.

• Hundley and Slowey, now with the Marlins, are having similar careers. The advantage in career wins above replacement goes to Hundley, 5.2 to 4.8. (source: Baseball-Reference)

• Such were Hundley's defensive struggles early in his career that the Padres investigated whether his eyesight was lacking. Scouts on other teams said that unless he improved his footwork and softened his hands, he would fall short of the big leagues. And if he did get there, they cautioned against making him a full-time starter, believing he'd wear down from the strain. Catching didn't come easily. Being pigeon-toed was part of the struggle. A "one-plane" swing argued for platooning him.

• Hundley had valuable physical tools--raw power, a fairly strong arm and a sturdy frame. His intangibles, however, may have been his most impressive asset. He outworked some teammates. He improved defensively over the years. With help from A.J. Hinch, he saw gains in pitch framing this year.

• Scouts say Hundley is a serviceable catcher who may last several more seasons. One compared him to Red Sox backup David Ross, a 37-year-old in his 13th season.

• The trade of Hundley recalls the trade of Randy Wolf in July 2008. In both seasons, the Padres got off to a poor start despite a payroll that was highest in franchise history. The team shopped each player for months. Dealing Hundley made baseball sense, but it also saved the Padres at least $1 million. It'll be interesting to see if the team deals others from a veteran group that includes Carlos Quentin, Headley and Huston Street. In '08, the Padres of Sandy Alderson saved more than $4 million by moving Wolf and Tony Clark, and tried to send Brian Giles to the Red Sox, only to see him veto the transfer.